WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The SWOSU soccer team opened their season tonight on the road against No. 6-ranked Central Missouri. The Lady Dawgs would lose a close game 3-2.
 
These two teams are familiar with each other having played twice last season. SWOSU was looking to avenge its season ending loss to the Jennies in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
 
It was a slow first half, with the score tied 0-0 after the first 45 minutes of play. Central Missouri came out of the gate more aggressive, outpacing the Dawgs in shots (8-4) and shots on goal (4-2) in the first half.
 
SWOSU held the first lead of the game when junior forward Brianna Benitez scored a 67th minute goal to go on top 1-0. Central Missouri would answer quickly though, with two goals in the next five minutes to take the lead. SWOSU wouldn't give up so easily.
 
Ruth Vasquez scored 13 seconds after Central Missouri took the lead, to tie the game once again at 2-2. That would not last long. The decisive goal would come from Central Missouri's Kate Hermelink in the 74th minute.
 
All five of the game's goals came in an eight-minute scoring spurt.
 
Brianna Benitez led the Lady Dawgs with three shots on goal and one goal. Ruth Vasquez started her SWOSU career off well with one goal and two shots on goal. Goalkeeper Ashley Hughes recorded six saves in the box.
 
SWOSU will look to bounce back on August 27 when they travel to Tahlequah to take on the Riverhawks of Northeastern State at 5 p.m.